Sky Catcher House by Kazuhiko Kishimoto / acaa

Built smack dab in the center of your average residential suburb in Japan, the Sky Catcher House is a modern standout in a sea of typical single and two-story structures. Designed by Kazuhiko Kishimoto / acaa, the square house is built around a private, sun-filled courtyard that gives the homeowner’s ample views of the sky.

The exterior is covered in vertical wood planks with very few windows, making the home secure and private. A simple covered carport attaches to the front, right side of the house with matching wood facade and white roof.

Once the lattice door is opened, you eye a pathway to the open courtyard filled with trees. The trees poke through the decking material making it appear that the house was built around them.

The courtyard also shows you that this is where all the windows are, giving the home the light it needs without compromising the privacy that they longed for. The architect also kept the roofline low to avoid disturbing the skyward view.

Doors and glass windows give the interior the illusion of being larger by opening up to the courtyard space.

Photos by Hiroshi Ueda.

Caroline Williamson is Managing Editor of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and writes about her life, inspirations and creative pursuits on her element75 blog.